Parastoo Theatre
Giving Refugees a Voice Through the Power of Theatre
Factbox
Location
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Grant Period
February 2019 - January 2020
Grant Amount
MYR 18,250
Beneficiaries
50 refugees
Focus Area
Overview
Parastoo Theatre is an Afghan refugee troupe in Kuala Lumpur using performance as a tool for healing, empowerment, and awareness. Through interactive theatre, they give displaced individuals a platform to share their stories, connect with Malaysian audiences, and challenge stigma through empathy and dialogue.
Impact At A Glance
- 20 new refugee actors to be trained through the AAF grant
- Performances staged across universities and institutions in Malaysia
- Interactive “Theatre of the Oppressed” method builds empathy and awareness
- Future community arts space planned for refugee-led creativity and healing
The Challenge
For Afghan refugees in Kuala Lumpur, trauma and isolation have silenced too many voices longing to be heard.
Globally, over 65 million people are forcibly displaced, with 86% hosted in developing countries often lacking frameworks to support them. In Malaysia, refugees face immense uncertainty — separation from family, inadequate housing, and limited legal recognition.
These conditions take a severe toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and deep social isolation. Among Afghan refugees in Kuala Lumpur, this sense of invisibility was especially acute. In response, a small group began using theatre as a form of therapy — a way to reclaim their voices and rebuild their confidence through storytelling.
The Solution
Parastoo Theatre uses the power of performance to help refugees heal, express themselves, and bridge understanding with Malaysian audiences.
Founded in 2017 by Afghan writer and director Saleh Sepas, Parastoo Theatre practices Theatre of the Oppressed — an interactive form where spectators become performers, acting out solutions to real-life social issues.
Their acclaimed production “Screaming in Silence” tells the story of 12-year-old Nazanin, a girl forced into marriage to settle her father’s debt. The play confronts one of Afghanistan’s most persistent issues — the sale and exploitation of women and girls — while inviting audiences to reflect on oppression and humanity.
Through these performances, Parastoo has not only raised awareness of refugee struggles but also helped its members heal, regain confidence, and find purpose in art.
The Grant with AirAsia Foundation
AirAsia Foundation’s grant supports Parastoo Theatre in expanding its reach and building a path toward self-sustainability.
The grant enables Parastoo to:
- Train 20 new refugee actors in performance and production
- Develop marketing materials to reach wider audiences
- Generate revenue through merchandise and ticket sales
This support allows Parastoo to grow its creative capacity while fostering connection between Malaysians and refugees. Their long-term vision includes establishing a community arts space that offers livelihood opportunities and promotes healing and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Gallery
The Organisation
Parastoo Theatre
Before fleeing Kabul, founder Saleh Sepas trained under educator and actor Kayhan Irani, who studied directly with Theatre of the Oppressed creator Augusto Boal. This methodology, rooted in dialogue and shared experience, removes barriers between performer and audience — transforming theatre into a collective act of empathy.
Since its debut in 2017 with “The Bitter Taste of History”, Parastoo has continued to grow. Following its breakout success with “Screaming in Silence” at Damansara Performing Arts Centre, the troupe has performed across Malaysia, including at AirAsia’s RedQ headquarters, spreading both awareness and hope.
Team Leader
Saleh Sepas
Saleh Sepas has over a decade of experience writing and directing radio dramas in Kabul, using storytelling to spark conversation on social issues. Now living as a refugee in Kuala Lumpur, he channels that same passion into empowering others through theatre. His mission is to give displaced people a platform to express, to heal, and to be seen — transforming silence into strength.
Social Enterprise
